By Arun Goel
Yoga nidra has been experienced as "the" most powerful
relaxation technique known to man. Yet, in yoga, it is used much
more than that. The power of this technique is such that it is
regularly used as a therapeutic technique to overcome
pain, act on the deepest neurosis and even overcome disability
in certain cases.
At its simplest level, it may be understood
and practised as a way of total physical and mental
relaxation. The advanced benefits can be reached with
regular practice.
Although Yoga nidra is of great help
to insomniacs because it stimulates sleep, it must be understood
that Yoga Nidra itself is NOT sleep. At best, it can be
described as “Sleep of Awareness”. In conventional
“sleep”, we lose control of our senses. But if you seek the
greatest benefits, you must transcend this feeling so that you
can stimulate the mind in the desired manner and be in control.
If followed correctly, it has a tremendous
soothing effect on the mind by freeing it from unresolved
contradictions and tensions. It works on the states of mind that
actually create and sustain inner conflict. Conflicts may be in
the form of unresolved mental issues or even physical disability
and disorders.
Yoga Nidra works very effectively on
mental resolve, will power and resolutions. Many
people testify to the unbelievable power and effectiveness of
the resolution (“Sankalpa”) made during the practice of Yoga
nidra.
Why? Because it acts at a dormant or
subconscious level that we are not aware of. It is just like
watering a seed planted deep down in the soil. Each time you
water it, you stimulate its growth though you can’t see it. You
see it only when it breaks through into the light. Similarly,
yoga Nidra works at a subconscious level and you realize it only
when it becomes part of your waking life.
How it works?
In Yoga Nidra, your mind is first
“scientifically disconnected” from the external surroundings
and even from your physical body though well-researched
techniques. These are the “awareness rotation” techniques
that include sound rotation, body rotation, and breath rotation.
After this has been achieved, the mind is fed with subtle
vibrations through Mantra and Visualization methods which
reach the deepest and remotest areas of the brain and serve to
massage them creating the desired effect.
It is impossible to EXPLAIN how these
techniques work. To experience the benefits, you would have to
be taught by a learned Yoga master. Personal interactions work
best and I would strongly advise you to go ahead - armed with
this knowledge - and find a learned practitioner of yoga Nidra.
If you can’t, I would suggest that you
seriously evaluate the “Beginners Yoga course” which
includes a full audio section of over 90 minutes of guided Yoga
Nidra by the Master Swami Gurupremananda Saraswati himself.
To know more on the course,
click here
To sum up – Yoga Nidra is a
superlative relaxation tool. One hour of effective yoga nidra
is equivalent to over 4 hours of sleep.
But, the true purpose of yoga nidra goes well beyond deep
relaxation. Yoga Nidra establishes the link between the
conscious desires, the will power, the subconscious and the
unconscious mind. When this happens you reap all-round powerful
benefits and feel in total control of all aspects of your life.
All the best,
Arun Goel |